We are enjoying a historic streak that, if our luck holds, will keep going this year.

It has been a long while since we last had a hit from a major hurricane — one that measured Category 3, 4 or 5.

Let’s hope that trend remains in place this year. While we hope that the major storms go elsewhere, though, we have to face the real possibility that one could come here.

And we all have watched the weather long enough to know that it doesn’t take a major storm or a direct hit to cause intense levels of damage, despair and disruption.

Part of the price we pay for where we live is that we spend about half of every year hoping that this hurricane season is uneventful.

But we should also all spend a little time making sure we have our plans and supplies in order in the event of a storm.

Now is as good a time as any to make sure you have an emergency plan in place and that your friends, family members, neighbors and workers know what it is.

The plan should include how and where everyone will meet up, who will drive if an evacuation is ordered and a good, accurate count of who might need assistance in getting out before a storm.

Establish a friend or family member who lives outside the area who can serve as a point of contact. That way, if people are separated, they have a place to check in and get information from one another. Remember that phones, of all types, do not always work during or after a storm.

Have a plan that takes into account your pets. Have a place where you can board them or have enough carriers and room, as well as food and litter, to take them with you if you evacuate. Keep in mind that not all shelters or hotels allow pets.

Have enough food, water, medical supplies, radios, lights and batteries to withstand a temporary power outage if you are planning to stay. And make sure you have those things and clothing and hygiene products to take with you if you plan to evacuate.

Planning is a valuable tool, but it is only useful if you take advantage of the time we have now. Waiting too late to make your planning and preparation could result in hasty decisions and the omission of crucial details.

No one wants to think about a serious storm heading this way, but if one does, you will be glad you thought about it now and communicated your plan with the people you will need to carry it out.

And as always, we will hope that all the planning and preparation is for nothing.

A version of this editorial first appeared in the Thibodaux Daily Comet, a Halifax Media Group newspaper in Louisiana.